2020 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2020 Mazda MX-5 has a complaint index of 32, ranking 14th worst out of 20 model years, with just 3 complaints and 1 recall on record. It has no verdict yet, but the low complaint count places it well below the worst MX-5 years like 2016.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 32/100
- #14 of 20 MX-5 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 26 city / 34.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags2 (67%)
- Fuel System1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- A fuel pump failure caused sudden loss of engine power in rush-hour traffic, leaving the car inoperable and requiring a tow.
- Owners report the airbag control module software recall remains unfixed because dealers lack the repair tool.
- Some owners say they have waited months on a dealership list with no remedy tool available for the airbag recall.
- Complaints describe the recall as open for an extended period with no working fix delivered at dealerships.
2020 Mazda MX-5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V695000Sep 18, 2024Airbags77,670 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module:software
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
2020 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 MPG
- Combined
- 29.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows only 3 complaints and a complaint index of 32 for the 2020 MX-5, ranking it 14th worst among 20 model years, suggesting comparatively few reported problems.
- What problems does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2020 MX-5 center on airbags (67% of complaints) and the fuel system (33%), including one report of fuel pump failure.
- Does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 have a recall?
- Yes. Recall 24V695000 covers a software error in the airbag control module that may cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2020 MX-5 compare to other model years?
- With a complaint index of 32, the 2020 MX-5 ranks 14th worst of 20 years tracked, well below higher-complaint years like 2016 (index 100) and 2019 (index 89).